Former World Series of Fighting (now Professional Fighters League) champion Blagoy Ivanov has signed with the UFC, sources confirmed with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani. He is expected to debut this summer after amicably parting ways with the PFL.

Ivanov (16-1, 1 NC) is currently on a five-fight winning streak, having captured a title at WSOF 21 back in May 2015 with a submission of Smealinho Rama and going on to successfully defend it four consecutive times (once under the PFL banner). Prior to that, Ivanov’s only loss was to current UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov in the finals of a Bellator tournament.

This guy is as tuff as they come. Look up the stabbing he took in his hometown, just look at what he looked like when he left the hospital. To overcome that was crazy, but to continue to comeback and fight is incredible. To make it to the UFC is unreal. This guy has gone through much in his life and I am so happy for him. He is a grinding euro wrestling heavy game, with some power but not the most fluent striker. Just happy to see him sign and make some money while competing.

Great signing. He's the first and I think only guy to beat Fedor in a sambo match. I wonder why he didn't stay for the PFL million dollar tournament, he would've easily won it. There's something fishy about that tournament.